Horn



2 Sheets-Sheet l April 22, 1941. G. CARBGNARO HORN Filed June 2S, 1959 April 22, 1941. G. cARBoNARo HORN Filed June 28, 1939 A.2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR K w/Zalm 'ar m BYBmm/om au ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 22, 1941 f- HORN Gaetano Carbonaro, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor to E. A. Laboratories, Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y., a` oorv poration of New York Application June 2s, 1939, seai'No. 281,524

(ci. 11s- 144) 4 Claims.

This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved horn capable of use-in numerous diiierent associations but primarily intended to be mounted on a vehicle and hand operated.

It is an object of the invention to furnish a unit of this character which will be extremely compact and rugged and which will embody relatively few parts, each individually simple in construction, these parts being readily capable oi manufacture by quantity production methods and being likewise susceptible of economical assemblage to furnish a unit operating over lonsr periods of time with freedom from all diioulties and which unit may moreover be manufactured at a nominal figure.

A further object is that of providing a horn the several parts of which may be manufactured for example by stamping and die-casting operations in order to achieve the results set forth in the preceding paragraph.

An additional object is that of providing a unit of this type which is ideally suited for use in association, for example, with a bicycle and which may be operated with minimum effort to f provide a desirable sound effect, furnishing a warning signal adequate for all purposes.

With these and further objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating one practical embodiment of the invention and in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the horn with certain of the parts broken away to disclose underlying construction;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side View taken along the lines 2-2 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of the unit taken along the lines 3-3 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View taken through the rear of the casing and in a forward direction;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the lines 5-5 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of an optional form of ratchet wheel or actuator; and

Fig. l is a transverse sectional View thereof taken along the line 1-1 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Figure 6.

In these views the numeral I0 indicates a casing which may be formed of sheet metal and which is of a depth adequate to house the horn operating mechanism. Adjacent its forward end cover may be forwardly bulged as at there is applied to this casing a cover which may include outwardly and rearwardly extending flange portions I I and of a diameter equal to the maximum diameter of the housing Ill. This I2 and formed with a central opening. This opening is closed by a disk I3 which is formed with a plurality of slots or other openings I4 through which sound may pass, such disk moreover being formed with a central opening I5. To secure the disk in position, the latter is preferably formed with a series of inwardly extending tongues or projections I6 passed through openings in the cover and bent over into contact with the rear face of the same so that the parts are maintained against displacement.

To mount the horn operating mechanism within the casing it is preferred to employ a die-cast yoke member I'I of generally U shape and which has an outwardly and forwardly extending disk I8 adjacent the outer ends of its arms. This disk is perforated as is also the cover member I2. A diaphragm I9 of a diameter just less than the diameter of casing I0 may be mounted by the washers 2i) and is likewise perforated in line with perforations of the cover and disk. Thus, bolts 2i may be threaded through these openings and nuts may be applied to the bolts in order to secure the yoke member, diaphragm, and cover together as a unit.

Also it will be observed that the casing I0 may be perforated adjacent its end or apex and inwardly indented as at 22 to provide a mounting socket for the head of a bolt 23. The base of member I I is likewise formed with an opening in line with the opening of the casing andthis member opening is threaded to receive the shank of the bolt 23.

Consequently, the diaphragm assemblyas aforestated-is maintained as a unit with member I1 Aand the latter is in turn maintained as a unit with casing II). Under these circumstances, a tightening of bolt 23 draws the casing into intimate contact with the rearwardly extending flange portion II of cover I2 and al1 the parts contained within the casing are thus adequately protected against the entrance of foreign materials. In this connection it will be observed that the diaphragm forms in effect an end wall for the casing.

The diaphragm may be vibrated by forming it with a centrally thickened portion 24 or else mounts a :je-enforcing member at this point. In any event, a threaded bore is provided which supports a pin or bolt 25 having its inner end preferably tapered to provide an anvil portion and this bolt is locked against accidental displacement by employing, for example, a nut 23. A shaft 21 extends between the legs of member l1 and has rotatably mounted upon it an annular ratchet member 28 formed with a hub 29 which may be threaded toreceivel a nut 3|] ybearing against a spring washer 3|. This hub as shown in Figure 5 has'its head or inner end portion formed to'provide a series of cam members 3|. terposed between these elements are clutching balls 33. part of a gear member 34 of relatively reduced diameter. It will be observed that a nut 35 may be affixed to the shaft 21 so as to maintain the several parts in position. To obtain proper Valignment of parts 32, 3|', 33 and 29 :and to assure correct functioning of the over-running clutch a sleeve 21 made preferably of a suitable bearing material is mounted floatingly on shaft 2. VThefree running t is necessary to allow casing 32 and hub 29- to function without impediment when operating force is applied to the clutch assembly. lf this condition we-re not provided for, the functioning of the clutch would be impaired inasmuch as casing 32 would then bind or lock with hub 29 and shaft 2, preventing ratchet 28 from rotating. l k To drive gear 34, a gear 36 is utilized which is mounted upon a stub shaft 31 coupled to one of the legs of member Il. Secured to or forming a part of gear 35 which is of relatively large diameter is a gear or pinion 38 and at this time it will be noted that the teeth of gear 36 mesh with the teeth of pinion 34. Moreover, the teeth of pinion 38 mesh with the teeth of an arcuate rack 39. The latter is mounted upon a shaft 4U likewise secured to one of the arms of member Il and a spring 4| has one of its ends secured to an extension 42 of the rack and below the shaft 48 while its opposite end is imbedded in, or otherwise coupled to, member l1.. This spring encircles shaft 40 and as shown, normally maintains the parts in the position illustrated in Figure 2.

y To actuate the rack 39 the latter is continued beyond shaft 4|! in the form of a finger contact portion or trigger 43 and this element extends through a slot 44 formed in the casing and which slot may be enlarged adjacent its forward end as indicated at 45. This enlargement is of a size such that` the end portion of the trigger 43 may readily pass through the same.

t this time it is also to be noted that there is formed adjacent the forward end of the casing and preferably in line with the slot 44, a notch 46. l

With a View to mounting the assembly, it will beobserved that to rone side f the edges of the legs of member the member is formed withl abutments 41. A bracket 48 having a shank of a size such that it may enter notch46 terminates in a T shaped head portion 48', the center of which may be coupled to disk |8 by a screw 49, the outer'ends of which'are flanged rearwardly as at 50 to provide abutment contacting portions. Through these, bolts are introduced into threaded bores forming a partV of abutments 4l. Consequently all of the parts are largely supported 'by the bracket 48, itibeing noted that disk I8 may beV conveniently thickened Vas indicated at 58 in line-with the shank of the bracket and 'that la"complementary portion 52 may be associated with Vthe bracket These are enclosed by a casing 32 and in-Y Casing 32 is coupled to or forms aY shank 48 to couple the bracket against movement with respect to supporting member 53.

' It will be understood that the diaphragm, cover member I1, and operating parts are primarily assembled. Thereafter casing Ii) is applied to the assembly and so that trigger portion 43 passes through the enlarged slot portion 45 of slot 44. Simultaneously, the casing is swung or rocked; upwardly so that notch 46 straddles the shank of bracket 48. 'Ihereupon bolt 23 is applied to the parts and the entire assembly is completed.

If now an operator pulls trigger portion 43, the arcuate rack 39 will move against the urging of spring 4| to rotate pinion 38 and gear 36 as well as pinion 34. The movement of the latter will be greatly magnified due to the multiplying effeet of the train of gears. Upon the trigger being released the rack member will-under the iniiuence of spring 4|-return the parts to their initial position. These oscillating movements will be translated into clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the several gears and pinions. With each rotation in one direction the clutch assembly provided by parts 29, 3|', 32 and 33 will couple angular ratchet 28 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2. With the trigger released, the parts will return to their normal position under the influence of the spring but under these circumstances the clutch assembly will disengage the annular ratchet from the driving gears. The ratchet may, however, continue to rotate incident to its mass and momentum. Such rotation will cause the teeth or arm portions of the ratchet to strike againstthe anvil provided by the reduced inner end of bolt 25 or its equivalent. Consequently the diaphragm will be vibrated at acoustical frequencies. Since the frequency of the diaphragm is the product of ratchet R. P. M. times the number of teeth, it is obvious that the frequency may be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of ratchet teeth, or by changing the R. P. M. of the ratchet. The latter may, of course, be accomplished by a different gear ratio. If necessary, the degree of contact between the anvil and ratchet may be varied by simply inserting through opening l5 a suitable tool to release nut 26 and thereupon projecting or retracting bolt 25 after which the lock nut is again secured in retaining position.

Figures 6 and 7 show a design of a ratchet wheel in which steel balls are employed to actuate the diaphragm. The wheelconsists of two complementary disks 54 riveted as at 55 to form one unit. A series of steel balls 56 are inserted in close relationship in a groove 57 formed at the circumference of the disks. With such a construction, a much smoother contact between anvil 25 and the ratchet is obtained, resulting in a much softer acoustical note. If an exceptionally soft tone is required, the steel 'balls may be replaced by suitable non-rnetallic balls or the ratchet 28 itself may be made of a non-metallic substance.

From the foregoing it Willbe understood that among others the several objects of the invention as specifically aforenoted are achieved'. Obviously, numerous changes in construction and re-arrangement of the parts might be resorted to without departing from theA spirit of the invention as defined bythe claims.

I claim.; Y g

1.A A horn including in combination a substancast material, outwardly flared arm members secured to said mounting member at the open end thereof, a diaphragm perpherally secured to said arm members, a cover for said diaphragm, fastening means extending through said cover, diaphragm, and arm members, for securing the same, a cup-shaped casing enclosing said U shaped niemeer and adapted. to have its open edge abut said d' 1iragm cover in substantial registry therew" securing means extending between the base of said mounting member and said casing at a point opposite the open end of the latter for sluiting said casing into substantial contact with the base of said mounting member and thereby drawing said casing into intimate contact with said diaphragm cover, a shaft extending between the legs of said mounting member and mounted at its opposite ends by both of the same, a sleeve encircling said shaft and free to 'rotate with respect thereto, an inner clutch member carried by said sleeve, diaphragm vibrating means secured to said inner clutch member, an outer` clutch member also encircling saidl sleeve but be ing free to rotate with respect thereto, horn actuating means coupled to said outer clutch member to rotate the same and means disposed between said inner and outer clutch members for causing inter-engagement between the same when said outer clutch member is rotated in one direction only.

2. A horn including in combination a substantially U shaped mounting member formed of diecast material, outwardly flared arm members secured to said mounting member at the open end thereof, a diaphragm peripherally secured to said arm members, a cover for said diaphragm fastening means extending through said cover, diaphragm, and arm members, for securing the same, a cup-shaped casing enclosing said U shaped member and adapted to have its open edge abut said diaphragm cover in substantial registry therewith, securing means extending between the base of said mounting member and said casing at a point opposite the open end of the latter for shifting said casing into substantial contact with the base of said mounting member and thereby drawing said casing into intimate contact with said diaphragm cover, a shaft extending between the legs of said mounting member and mounted at its opposite ends by both of the same, a sleeve encircling said shaft and free to rotate with respect thereto, an inner clutch member carried by said sleeve, diaphragm vibrating means secured to said inner clutch member, an outer clutch member also encircling said sleeve but being free to rotate with respect thereto, horn actuating means coupled to said outer clutch member to rotate the same, means disposed between said inner and outer clutch members for causing interengagement between the same when said outer clutch member is rotated in one direction only, said horn actuating means comprising a trigger element projecting from within said casing to a point below the same and a mounting bracket also projecting downwardly from said casing to a point immediately ahead of said trigger element 'whereby said horn is held against movement as said trigger element is pulled rearwardly to actuate said clutch and operate said horn.

3. A horn including in combination a substantially U shaped mounting member formed of die-cast material, outwardly flared arm members secured to said mounting member at the open end thereof, a diaphragm peripherally secured to said arm members, a cover for said diaphragm fastening means extending through said cover, diaphragm, and arm members, for securing the same, a cup-shaped casing enclosing said U shaped member and adapted to have its open edge abut said diaphragm cover in substantial registry therewith, securing means extending between the base of said mounting member and said casing at a point opposite the open end of the latter for shifting said casing into substantial contact with the base of said mounting member and thereby drawing said casing into intimate contact with said diaphragm cover, a shaft extending between the legs of said mounting member and mounted at its opposite ends by both of the same, a sleeve encircling said shaft and free to rotate with respect thereto, an inner clutch member carried by said sleeve, diaphragm vibrating means secured to said inner clutch member, an outer clutch member also encircling said sleeve but being free to rotate with respect thereto, horn actuating means coupled to said outer clutch member to rotate the same, means disposed between said inner and outer clutch members for causing inter-engagement between the same when said outer clutch member is rotated in one direction only, said diaphragm actuatingmember comprising a disc and a plurality of peripherally held spherical members associated with said disc for contacting said diaphragm and vibrating the same.

fr. A horn including in combination a substantially U shaped mounting member formed of die-cast material, outwardly dared arm members secured to said mounting member at the open end thereof, a diaphragm peripherally secured to said arm members, a cover for said diaphragm, fastening means extending through said cover, diaphragm, and arm members, for securing the same, a cup-shaped casing enclosing said U shaped member and adapted to have its open edge abut said diaphragm cover in substantial registry therewith, securing means extending between the base of said mounting member and said casing at a point opposite the open end of the latter for shifting said casing into substantial contact with the base of said mounting member and thereby drawing said casing into intimate contact with said diaphragm cover, a shaft extending between the legs of said mounting member and mounted at its opposite ends by both of the same, a sleeve encircling said shaft and free to rotate with respect thereto, an inner clutch member carried by said sleeve, diaphragm vibrating means secured to said inner clutch member, an outer clutch member also encircling said sleeve but being free to rotate with respect thereto, horn actuating means coupled to said outer clutch member to rotate the same, means disposed between said inner and outer clutch members for causing inter-engagement between the same when said outer clutcll member is rotated in one direction only, said horn actuating means comprising a trigger element projecting from within said casing to a point below the same and a mounting bracket also projecting downwardly from said casing to a point immediately ahead of said trigger element whereby said horn is held against movement as said trigger element is pulled rearwardly to actuate said clutch and operate said horn, said diaphragm actuating member comprising a disc and a plu rality of peripherally held spherical members associated with said disc for contacting said diaphragm and vibrating the same.

GAETANO CARBONARO. 

